Greenville

By Beverly Sheets Goodwin

After losing her husband in an automobile accident caused by a drunk driver, Tierci
Morgan sells her thriving law practice in Illinois to return to the small town in West
Virginia where she was born. She agrees to take over the law offices of her mentor
who wants to retire to a life of fishing in Florida.
Soon after returning to Greenville, Tierci hires a construction company to build a house for her. She is shocked and elated to discover that the owner of Greenville Builders is her long ago friend and soul mate Gavin CaIdwell. From childhood until she went away to law school, Gavin had been her rock to lean on and shoulder to cry on when boys she dated found greener pastures.
In renewing their friendship, Tierci discovers that Gavin had lost his wife five years earlier to cancer and raised his teen-aged son alone. As they work together planning her dream house, they discover an attraction and feelings for each other that had never occurred to Tierci when she knew Gavin as a boy. lie had always loved her but was afraid to voice his feelings as a boy and settled for just being her friend and confidant He has grown into a ruggedly handsome man who is gentle and sensitive and had never lost the special connection he has always had with Tierci.
Tierci becomes the target of a vengeful stalker who blames her for letting him go to prison years ago in Illinois because she refused to represent him in court. In leaning on Gavin once more and in his efforts to protect her, they discover a love that was meant to be all of their lives.
Greenville is a suspenseful, poignant love story that evolves around meeting, and becoming friends with some of the main players from the book Arizona Macgregor and the frightening terror caused by the stalker who is maniacal in his determination to punish Tierci.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 23, 2007
• ISBN: 9781477175941

Beverly Sheets Goodwin

Beverly Goodwin, seventh child of a West Virginia coal miner. Attended one year of college at Concord College in Athens, West Virginia, then went to Chicago to the Art Institute where I decided that art was a hobby, not a passion, so I enrolled at Saint Xavier University in Chicago to study pre-law. I went to John Marshall Law School in Chicago. After years in the hustle and bustle of life in the big city, I retired to a calmer life in rural Kentucky to indulge in my two passions of golf and writing. I am kept grounded by my fourteen year old granddaughter who has lived with me since she was a baby. She is my tutor and computer whiz! We are accompanied by our dog Lucky and her horse Mc Cloud. Life is good.

Book preview

GREENVILLE

Image288.PNG

Beverly Sheets Goodwin

Copyright © 2007 by Beverly Sheets Goodwin.

Library of Congress Control Number:     2006902428

ISBN 10:          Hardcover                           1-4257-1185-5

                          Softcover                             1-4257-1184-7

ISBN 13:          Hardcover                            978-1-4257-1185-6

                          Softcover                              978-1-4257-1184-9

                          Ebook                                   978-1-4771-7594-1

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a fictional novel. Greenville is a fictitious town. All characters in this book are fictional. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

33297

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

CHAPTER THIRTY

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

EPILOGUE

Greenville

New Feel Good Novel Invites You to Walk into Enjoyment and Pleasure

A successful defense attorney decides to leave her private practice in Illinois and return to the land of her birth a year after her husband’s death. There in her hometown of, Greenville, West Virginia, she comes face to face with widower Gavin Caldwell, her childhood soul mate. Will they renew their friendship and get a second chance at love? Discover the story as it unfolds in Greenville by author Beverly Sheets Goodwin.

Tierci Morgan is entrusted with the law firm of her old mentor and benefactor in Greenville. Upon returning to her home town, she hires a construction company to build her a house. She is shocked and elated to discover that her friend from long ago and soul mate Gavin is the owner of Greenville Builders. As they rekindle their friendship and work together planning her dream house, they realize an attraction and feelings for each other that had never occurred to Tierci when she knew Gavin as a boy. When Tierci becomes the target of a vengeful stalker, she leans on Gavin once more and in his efforts to protect her, they discover a love that was meant to be all of their lives.

Greenville is a suspenseful, poignant love story that evolves around meeting, becoming friends with some of the main players from the author’s other book Arizona MacGregor and the frightening terror caused by a stalker bent on revenge. Readers of all ages will no doubt love this heartwarming story filled with family values, relationship and friendship. This book gives an inside look at the workings of the judicial system; that honesty and goodness still reigns despite the fractured society we live in. It also illustrates that perseverance and faith can lead to success and happiness.

Dedication

To all my friends and former classmates at Big Creek High School in War, West Virginia. Especially W.W.W. Thanks for all the wonderful memories.

Back to the Beginning

by

Beverly Sheets Goodwin

I took you for granted long ago..

didn’t see who you were, didn’t know.

When I needed a port in the storm …

you were always there to keep me warm.

Your smile lit up my days, you made me laugh..

You turned gray to blue, said you were my better half.

I scoffed, didn’t believe and turned you aside

I sought happiness and adventure far and wide.

I went far away and left you behind …

life put you out of my path, out of my mind.

My journeys took me to places unknown …

Seeking myself, often scattered and wind blown.

After years of searching for what … I didn’t know,

I returned to my starting point feeling weary and low.

I saw your face, your smile and at once I knew …

I had found what I had been seeking … It was you.

CHAPTER ONE

Tierci gave the room one last check, turned out the lights and locked the door. She walked down the hallway and out of the building. She unlocked her car and sat behind the wheel, trying to clear the mist out of her eyes before starting the engine. Damn, it was so hard to leave so much of her life behind. Jared had built that building for her. So much of himself had gone into making it a state of the art law offices complex for her to set up practice in twenty years ago. He had hired a sign company to place her name on the building. TIERCI MORGAN-ATTORNEY AT LAW in big bold letters had been placed on the front of the building.

Tears collected in Tierci’s eyes as she remembered the first day he had taken her to see the finished office complex. He had blindfolded her and kept up an excited chatter as he drove her to the site. Wait until you see the surprise I have for you, Sweetheart. It’s going to knock your socks off. No more driving to downtown Chicago everyday. No more traffic snarls or late appointments. Now you’ll be able to practice five miles from home. You’re going to be your own boss from now on, girl. No more getting ordered around by a bunch of men who let you do all the work and then take all the credit.

Tierci didn’t like being blindfolded; it made her claustrophobic. She took deep breaths and set her will power just to please Jared. She didn’t have the heart to ruin his surprise. He parked the car and went around to help Tierci out of her seat. He led her along, admonishing as they walked; Don’t peek, Baby. I want you to get the full effect when I take off the blindfold.

Tierci squeezed his hand and threatened, Jared, if you don’t take this damned handkerchief off of me in the next three seconds I’m going to scream!

He turned her around to face him and untied the blindfold. He hugged her close and whispered into her ear. "It took a year,

Sweetheart, but I finally got the fellows to put the finishing touches on it in time for your birthday. He spun her around and kissed her dark curls. Happy birthday, Tierci. I love you."

Tierci sat in the car remembering that day and her heart ached. Jared’s company had built buildings all over Chicago. Tall skyscrapers, small restaurants, schools and banks, yet he had been proudest of the office complex he had built especially for her.

Tierci remembered how she had opened her eyes and caught the first glimpse of the haven that had been her niche for twenty years. It was a long rectangular building of white brick. Large windows faced the street. Double doors in the center of the building separated it into two wings. Large gold letters spelling her name stretched across the top, front of the structure; there for the entire world to see.

Wow, Jared. You’ve created a masterpiece! I love it! It’s so big! I don’t need something this grand. A small office building would have sufficed for my limited practice.

Jared had laughed and hugged her close. No, no, Counselor. The sky’s the limit for you. The right wing of the building has been designed to house doctor’s offices. The left wing is for your offices, with room for you to hire staff and new partners. Your practice is going to take wings and fly.

It had been the hardest decision of her life for Tierci to sell the building and know that someone else would take over her beloved office. Her practice had taken wings and flown to unexpected heights. Her specialty was criminal law. She hired a fulltime staff and had taken on three new partners as her practice grew.

Oak Lawn, Illinois, is situated about fifty miles southwest of Chicago. It’s a bustling little village of about twenty thousand. There were plenty of opportunities to practice law in her own back door. One older courthouse building was located right in the heart of the city. A large, new judicial system complex was located just a couple of miles outside of town. Tierci didn’t have to advertise for clients. Her ferocious dedication to ethics and hard work brought all the business she could handle to her door. She won more cases than she lost and her fighting reputation made her a respected member of her profession.

Tierci had been inordinately happy and content in her special birthday office building for nineteen years. Her world came crashing down the day Jared had been killed in an automobile accident caused by a drunk driver. Her law practice and Jared had been the two most important reasons for Tierci’s happiness in life. Without Jared, she lost her zest for life and the legal profession. For a year she had tried to work her way out of the heartache of life without the best half of her heart.

Mr. O’Dell Thomas, her old friend and advisor had called to say he was retiring and wanted her to consider returning to her hometown of Greenville, West Virginia, to take over his law offices. His encouragement and ass-kicking had been the reason Tierci had entered law school. Every time she had considered giving up or when obstacles seemed too much to overcome, he berated her into sticking with her goals. He had been the shoulder she had leaned on all of her life. Now he needed her.

Tierci and Jared never had any children. They were dedicated to their professions and didn’t feel it would be fair to have children who would need dedication and nurturing. Jared had lots of nephews and nieces to spoil and lavish love on when moments were carefree and available.

Without Jared in her life the past year, Tierci often wished she had a part of him in a child to love and fill the unhappiness and loneliness she felt without him. She had no close family ties in Illinois. Her colleagues and friends tried to fill her days with activities and entertainment. They couldn’t fill the lonely nights when she longed for the comfort of Jared’s arms around her.

Tierci spent many hours grappling with O’Dell’s offer. She talked with him often on the phone. He made a lot of valid points in trying to convince her to return to her roots. You grew up here, Tierci. You never wanted to leave. You planned to finish law school and return home to practice. You met Jared and stayed in Chicago, because that’s where his livelihood depended on flourishing. Sell your practice. Sell Jared’s business to his associates. That’s not your forte. It will only drain your reserves of strength. Come home where your family and friends can help you to become part of living again. I need you, little lady.

Tierci had argued, rationalized and looked for reasons to stay in her solitary rut. Mr. Thomas, your practice is mainly in contracts and financial advisory. I’m a defense attorney. How can I take over your practice? I would never fit in there.

O’Dell quickly shot down that escape route. I have a young man who is very good in contract theory, agencies-properties, and financial management. I want you to take over my building and manage my practice. You’ll still be able to practice in your own field. We could use a top-notch defense attorney around here. Stop looking for an out, girl. Get your ass down here as soon as possible. I’m old. I’m tired and I want to go fishing.

Tierci had given it a lot of careful consideration and decided that life in Illinois no longer held an allure for her. She began to long for the mountains of West Virginia where she had spent the first twenty-one years of her life. She contacted a real estate broker and put her house and commercial complex on the market. Jared’s company supervisor and accountant formed a corporation and bought Jared’s entire operation.

Tierci sat in her car and said a final farewell to the building that Jared had so eagerly presented to her on her twenty-fourth birthday. Through tears that wet her cheeks she whispered, Forgive me, Darling. If you’re up there looking down, understand why I had to let it go. It was a precious gift of your love, but I’m sure you know that it’s time for me to pick up the pieces of my life and try to move on. I won’t ever forget you, but now I have to be strong enough to make a life without you. I’m going home to heal the ache in my heart.

CHAPTER TWO

Tierci drove from Illinois to West Virginia. Driving was therapeutic for her. She loved the scenery and escape from her thoughts that driving brought. She drove to Lexington, Kentucky, the first day of her journey home. She spent the night at a small motel and cried herself to sleep. It was hard leaving so much behind and cutting strings to a major portion of her life.

The following morning Tierci awoke with a new attitude. She greeted the day with an anxious desire to get home, greet family, and see old friends. I’m going to be OK, she vowed. There’s adventure and new beginnings ahead. The closer she got to home the more she felt at peace. When she left Ashland, Kentucky, and crossed into West Virginia she felt the sereneness of the mountains start to sooth her sorrow. She felt elated and full of anticipation. She spoke aloud to the mountains that surrounded her as she drove. I had forgotten how these old mountains can cuddle me in their arms and make me feel safe and secure. Look at those colors splashing the trees. Is there any place more beautiful than West Virginia in October? She’s strutting her stuff, showing off big time. I’m in the house that heaven built.

The deeper she drove into the mountains, the lighter her spirit soared. By the time she reached the winding roads leading into Greenville, she was singing along with songs on the radio. She waved or nodded to every car that passed. That was an old custom in this part of the country. There were no strangers. Everyone shared a kinship and friendship, even with people they had never met.

Tierci pulled into her brother Lee’s driveway at half-past noon and ran towards the house. Lee stepped outside just as she reached the door. He grabbed her in a bear hug and swung her around in circles. God, Tierki, it’s so good to have you home safe and sound. I was so worried about you driving here all by yourself. He was four years younger than Tierci and as a child, all of his words with c’s had been pronounced as k’s. So Tierki had stuck as his nickname for her. He was always a pal and had allowed her to ride his bykickle anytime she wanted to.

Tierci stood back and searched the laughing face so dear to her. Ah, Lee, it feels so good to be home. You look wonderful. I see that Joyce has been feeding you pretty well. I see a little paunch on that once taut physique.

Lee patted his stomach in agreement. Yeah, she’s a keeper. Go on inside and I’ll get your luggage.

Joyce was just putting the finishing touches on lunch. She wiped her hands on a paper towel and grabbed Tierci in a hug. Hey, Sis, you’re just in time for lunch. I timed that pretty close didn’t I? When you called I figured you to be here around noon. I’ve had a time keeping Lee at bay until you got here. He’s been trying to sample everything.

Lee put the luggage in the guest room, then took a seat at the kitchen table. OK, may I please eat now? I haven’t eaten since breakfast.

Tierci laughed and winked at Joyce. Isn’t that the usual eating schedule of most households? Is he on a newborn’s schedule of needing food every three hours? Slow him down before that little paunch grows to a full-blown, overgrown belly!

They had an enjoyable meal as they discussed Tierci’s plans to relocate in Greenville. Tierci was alive with excitement. I need to rent a storage unit for my furniture. The moving van should be here in a couple of days. I want to look for some land and have a house built. I don’t plan on moving again, so I want to build my own house with all the amenities that I have in mind. Maybe you could recommend the best builder in this area. I’ve been away so long, I don’t really know where to begin.

Lee put up his hand and motioned for quiet. Stop that, Tierki. You just got here. Give it a rest for a few weeks. Relax and get back into things slowly. You’re welcome to stay right here until you find exactly what you want. I know just the storage place for you. Take your time with everything else. Drive around; choose the best spot for your dream house. The best builder in this county is Greenville Custom Home Builders. You tell them what you want and they’ll build it to your specs. Don’t get in any hurry though. Get settled into your life here and then ease into building a house. Kick back and have some fun.

Tierci laughed with relaxed ease. ‘You’re right, Lee. I’m going to just roam around town for few days and get reacquainted with my past. I have to visit with Mr. Thomas and see what he has in store for me. Maybe I can hold him at bay for a week or two until I get settled in and get my bearings. Maybe you could take a little time to show me some land for sale in this area."

Lee seemed excited about his sister’s relocating close enough to be a family again. It’s going to be so great to have you near enough to bang heads with again. You arrived at just the right time. There is a wonderful tract of land for sale at the foothills of the mountains near Cascade Falls. That’s only five miles from Greenville. You’ll be close to town, yet far enough away for some seclusion and privacy. We can drive out there tomorrow if you want to check it out.

His excitement infected Tierci. Now you have me anxious to see this property. I want to get started on a house as soon as possible. I need to dig in and start to feel like I belong again. I really don’t want to impose on your hospitality for too long. Tell me more about this place that sounds so promising.

Lee’s dark eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he described the property that was for sale. I would’ve bought it already if I could have afforded it. It’s a forty-acre tract of pristine, prime property. There are acres of dense trees of every kind known to West Virginia. There’s a five-acre lake suitable for swimming and fishing. Man, a big log house would be perfect placed in the dale looking up at that mountain. You can afford it, Tierki. You could build your dream house on that spot. I would be visiting you all the time. You having it is the next best thing to me having it.

Tierci hugged Lee and thanked him for allowing her to stay in his home. I’m going to unpack and change clothes. I’ve been cooped up in my car for the past couple of days. I’d like to walk around town and stretch my legs. Think I might luck out and run into some old school pals? I don’t know if I would even recognize anyone after being away for so many years. I haven’t even been able to come back for any class reunions. I feel really bad about that. I was so wrapped up in my work and my life with Jared, the years flew by.

Lee seemed a little sad and the look in his dark eyes seemed to agree with her prodigal status. I never thought you would stay away so long and be happy so far away from all of your friends and family. You haven’t been home since I got married. Damn, that was almost ten years ago. Mom and Dad retired to Florida and you left me here all alone and missing you.

Tierci felt tears of regret sting her eyes. I never meant to ever make you feel that I had forsaken you, little brother. You came to see me so often in Chicago, I never realized that you felt lonely. We had such fun and good times going to ball games and sailing on Lake Michigan. I thought you wanted to visit there often.

I did, Sis, but those were such short vacations, I needed more time with you in my life. I missed you and that never stopped. I know careers and marriages come first in people’s lives, but we were always so close, nothing could fill that empty feeling of you being so far out of my life.

Lee’s revelations jolted Tierci’s usually upbeat demeanor. I’m so sorry, Lee. I never meant to ever hurt you. Damn, I was so driven with my career; a lot of life passed me by, didn’t it? I can’t go back and change the past, but you can bet we are going to make the most out of the rest of our lives. You’re going to get tired of me butting into your life from now on.

Lee got a happy little smile on his face. That ain’t ever gonna happen, Sis. I’m going to make up for lost time. You and Joyce are going to get tired of me hanging around you so much. We’re going to paint this town red. She loves to golf, so she can give you some lessons. I bet I can still whip your butt in a few tennis matches. Maybe I can lose this paunch with you here to give me a workout. Go on and change clothes, then the three of us can go for a stroll through town. I can point out old friends that you might not recognize.

Tierci jumped up and clapped her hands. You’re on! Maybe Joyce can get in a few words as we walk. We’ve been rude and haven’t let her get in a word edgewise.

Tierci changed into black corduroy jeans and a silver, cowl-necked sweater. She had stayed in pretty good shape through the years. Her hyper-active nature and work ethic kept her 5’6" inch frame well balanced with her 120 pound figure. She combed her short, dark curls and put on a touch of lipstick. Her startling blue eyes were in sharp contrast to her brother’s dark brown eyes. Their dark hair was the only family trait they had in common. Lee was quiet and studious. Tierci was outgoing and busy as a bee all the time.

Their differences made for good companionship when they were growing up. Tierci mothered and often bossed Lee. He followed her around like a shadow. No matter how much she ordered him around, his good nature never took offense. Both of their parents worked, so early in life, Lee looked at Tierci as his mother figure. She entertained him and taught him so much in life, which made him only adore her more as he grew older.

Tierci never knew it until many years later, but the most traumatic event in Lee’s life had been when she went to West Virginia University when he was fourteen. She learned from her father that Lee had been so devastated when she left, he wouldn’t let anyone touch anything in her room. He became consumed with playing every sport in school and drove himself to be the best in an effort to fill the lonely times without his sidekick. Mom said the only times Lee ever laughed and joked were when Tierci came home on holidays or weekends. Tierci had just assumed that he would adjust and girlfriends would replace her in his life. Today she got just an inkling that maybe she had been wrong.

Tierci checked her appearance in the mirror and while she stared at the reflection she made a promise. Things are going to be different now, Leebo. We’re going to be best ‘Buds’ again. I am going to erase that sadness out of your mind forever.

Tierci walked into the kitchen and linked her arm through Lee’s. Come on, big fellow, let’s get this show on the road. Grab his other arm Joyce. We have to protect this handsome stud from all the unattached women in this town.

They walked about a quarter mile before reaching the busy, downtown section of Greenville. Tierci was amazed at the growth of the town since she had been away. Wow, look at all the new shops and restaurants. This is like a small metropolis. I thought I might get lonesome for the hustle and bustle of city life. I think there’ll be plenty of bustle here for me!

Lee strolled along, happily pointing out new medical complexes and tiny strip malls interspersed with the older established businesses. Tierci came to an abrupt halt when she spotted a large electronics store. CROCKETT’S ELECTRONICS stood out like a beacon on the front of the new building. Lee! Is that your store?

Lee stuffed his hands in his jean pockets and looked at her with a big smile on his face. Yep, I got out of that cubby hole I was in about two years ago. Joyce and I pooled our resources and Greenville Builders had this building up in about six months. My office is bigger than the entire store was in the old building. I love being right in the heart of town. I have a fulltime manager and I don’t have to work as many hours as I used to. Joyce has me underfoot a lot more now days.

Joyce hugged his arm close to her side and pulled him closer. I love having him underfoot. We get to enjoy life a lot more now than we ever did before. I was afraid he was going to work himself into an early grave.

Tierci took hold of Lee and tugged him into the store. I want to see. This is so exciting. My little brother has become a big businessman. I’m so proud of you, Leebo. I always knew that brain of yours would go big time. All of that computer training paid off. You always could fix anything, from clocks to TVs to anything electronic. Now I know where to shop for new computers. Will I get a discount? Why didn’t you ever write and tell me about this? I should kick your butt. If you weren’t so much bigger than me now, I would!

Lee backed away from Tierci and got in a defensive stance. Bring it on, Sis. I can still outrun you. I’m sorry; I was so busy getting the business off the ground, I was kinda in the same mode as you. I let time get away from me. Even when I visited you in Chicago, I was so busy having fun, I never thought to tell you about the new store.

He introduced her to Mark, the manager and all of the clerks. Tierci could tell by their attitude around Lee that they loved him and their jobs. He took hold of Tierci and Joyce and ushered them out of the store. Come on, let’s get out of here before they get the idea it’s a holiday.

They walked down the street until they came to the sporting goods store. It’s still here! Tierci exclaimed. This is where I bought my letter jacket when I was in high school. I got that big green G for playing tennis and I proudly sewed it on that school jacket. Do you think they still sell those jackets? I want one. They were really warm. I could use it right now. The wind is going right through my sweater.

Lee held the door for Tierci and Joyce. They still have them, Tierki. You get the jacket and I’ll give you a big G to sew on it. I have several still in the envelopes.

Tierci punched his shoulder and teased. Oh, stop bragging, Mr. Four-Sports-Star. I only earned that one little old lonely G while I was in school. I have no idea what happened to that jacket or letter.

She bought a new tennis racket and jacket; small in a man’s size. She teased the clerk because the store didn’t stock any women’s sizes. That’s OK. I like it baggy. There’s plenty of room to grow. Don’t bother to wrap it. I’ll wear it home. She snapped the green and white jacket and tucked her hands in the side pockets. Now I’m all set to wander these streets till dark.

They walked until they reached the law offices of Mr. Thomas. Lee stopped and turned to Tierci, Do you want to stop in and say hi? His feelings will be hurt if he sees you out here and you don’t stop in to see him.

Tierci stalled for a few moments. If I do, he’s going to want me in here first thing tomorrow morning!

Mr. Thomas ended her indecision. He opened the door and ordered everyone inside. All right, girl! Here you are. I worried that you might back out and not come home. You’ve just made an old man happy. When can you start work? My fishing pole is all packed and ready for a vacation in Florida.

Tierci hugged him and set her foot down. You just put that pole on hold for another week. I intend to have my vacation before you get one. Lee and I have lots of things to catch up on before I knuckle down to the work grind again.

O’Dell hugged her and told her to take all the time she needed. I’m not going to be greedy. I’m just thankful you agreed to take over for me. How about if I buy you a cup of coffee? There’s a great little café right across the street.

At the café, they talked over old times and O’Dell filled Tierci in on some of the things she would face when he retired. Tierci told him that maybe she should reconsider and head for the hills. I think I might have bitten off more than I can chew. You’re pretty big time for such a small town. You don’t have any competition in this town.

O’Dell waved away her doubts. If I could handle it, you can breeze through it. I didn’t ask you to come here without being positive about your abilities. Your big city experience will stand you in good stead around here. My practice will double in a year once everyone learns what a cracker jack attorney you are. I’m offering you a full partnership, plus the fees from your own criminal cases. How about some apple pie? Mrs. Flannery makes them fresh everyday.

Lee figured that was the best offer of the day. I’ll have mine warmed with cheese and hot cinnamon sauce on it. You have to try it, Sis. It’s the best. Your figure won’t suffer. You’ll burn it off before we get home.

Tierci opted for pie ala mode. My metabolism keeps me in pretty good shape … for an old woman. Sooner or later I’m sure gravity will catch up with me and I’ll have to watch my diet, but right now I’m going to pig out … especially since O’Dell is treating.

O’Dell happily paid the bill and they walked him back to his office. He hugged Tierci and left her with a warning. One week, Tierci. Two at the most. Get your ducks all in a row and let me get away for a little R&R before I kick the bucket. I haven’t been fishing in five years!

Lee slapped him on the shoulder and reminded him, What was that you and I did the last weekend in September? Was that an eight pound pork roast you caught down near Cascade Falls?

O’Dell shooed him out the door. You have a big mouth, Kiddo. That was bass fishing. That doesn’t count. I need to go deep sea fishing for some BIG fish. I was going to invite you along, but you just blew it. If Joyce wasn’t teaching everyday, I’d invite her along and leave you to fend for yourself, Bigmouth!

CHAPTER THREE

The week was filled with adventure and excitement. Joyce started back to her teaching job on Monday and Lee took the week off to show Tierci around. Joyce taught physical education at Barkley High School. She coached the high school golf team. Golf was the cupid that led to Lee’s marrying Joyce. He had been thrashing and hacking around the golf course one Saturday afternoon when Joyce took pity on him and offered to give him some pointers. That’s all it took to straighten out his golf game and send him head over heels in love with his petite, vivacious, golf teacher.

Lee was thirty-two at the time and had always been more devoted to his work than dating. Joyce hit him like a ton of bricks and within three months, he asked her to marry him. Tierci had come home for his wedding and she loved Joyce right away. She couldn’t have hand picked a better wife for her brother.

Lee yelled at Tierci to get up. Come on, you’re wasting the day. Let’s get going and lease a rental unit for your furniture and then go look at the property before someone snags it away from you.

Tierci walked out of the bathroom toweling her short, dark curls. I came here for a rest. It’s been years since I could lounge around and sleep late. When I get the chance, you shag me out of bed at daylight! What’s the hurry?

Lee paced around the kitchen sipping on a mug of coffee. I took off this week to help you get settled in. You only have a week to cover a lot of ground, so move it. We have things to see and places to go. Besides, I’m hungry. If you get a move on, we can have breakfast before we have to get started with putting your life into the proper squares.

They went to the Corner Café for breakfast. As they sipped coffee and waited for their order, Tierci noticed an older woman sitting all by herself at a nearby table. Lee, that woman looks so familiar. I think I know her, but I can’t quite place her in my memory.

Lee turned around to take a look. That’s Aunt Milly. Wonder why she’s in here so early? I’m gonna ask her to join us.

Aunt Milly was their mother’s rich, eccentric aunt. She was a flamboyant, opinionated woman, given to using superfluous phrases that often used wrong words in a strange context. No one ever dared to correct her when she called nylons, ‘neons’ or when geraniums were called ‘terrariums.’ She was innocently addicted to malapropisms and used any word she chose whether it was correct or not. She was a character, but everyone humored her and avoided trying to correct her misuse of the king’s language.

Lee led her to the table and pulled out a chair for her. She squinted at Tierci over the rim of her glasses. Well, well, little vagabond, it’s about time you returned home. How long are you in for this time?

Tierci stood and gave Milly a kiss on the cheek. I’m here for good this time, Aunt Mil. I can’t believe you recognized me.

Milly got indignant and huffed at Tierci. "Why wouldn’t I recognize you? I